Exclusive Interview with Miguel Migs
After playing guitar in local dub/reggae bands in his teens, he started DJing and by the mid-’90s, Migs – then in his early 20s – started producing electronic dance music. By the time the new millennium dawned, a string of releases on numerous leading deep house record labels had earned him an enviable reputation among discerning dance music buyers worldwide. He’d also become a stalwart of the hugely influential Naked Music stable with his singles, remixes and compilations as Petalpusher. Yet despite his A-list status, in a music industry long on supersized egos, Migs is something of a rarity. Despite achieving levels of success – both critical and commercial – that most in the deep house community can only dream of, he remains a genuinely humble, self-effacing individual. He's a superstar DJ, he's been nominated on a Beatport poll as Best Deep House Producer, but rather than constantly bigging himself up, he prefers to let his music to the talking.
Siam2nite had the opportunity to have an exclusive interview with Miguel Migs, shortly before his performance at Q Bar on 13th September.
After playing guitar in dub/reggae bands in your teens, you started DJing and - in your early 20s - you also started producing. How did you get in touch with electronic dance music in the first place?
I was living in Santa Cruz California at the time which is about an hour drive south of san Francisco, so we were driving up to the city on the weekends and going to these great warehouse parties that played amazing deep soulful house music and I was really captivated by the deeper sounds… around that same time frame I was buying a lot of records, everything from reggae to hip-hop and old school house, and I was messing around on my friends turntables for fun… after buying a synth keyboard I started experimenting with writing and creating electronic dance music and it all sort of took off naturally from that point…
You have been nominated on a Beatport poll as Best Deep House Producer. How would you describe your music in just a few words?
Deep, soulful, dubby, with many influences.
Your first album “Colorful You” (2002) reached #14 on Top Electronic Albums, the second album “Those Things” (2007) reached #15 on Top Electronic Albums and earned “Best Dance/Electronica Album” at the 7th Annual Independent Music Awards and your third and latest album “Outside The Skyline” released in 2011 reached #23 on Top Electronic Albums. What are you currently working on? What’s on your agenda for the near future?
I love the whole process of writing and creating original music and working with various vocalists and artists… I'm working on a new album right now and plan to just continue experimenting with sounds and song writing, as it is my passion.
You have produced over 100 remixes, including remixes for artists such as Britney Spears, Macy Gray and Lionel Richie. Could you point out some of them that you are especially happy about?
I try to remain open minded to different projects and push myself creatively. Remixes are fun to do and sometimes a challenge, but these days I try and concentrate and focus more on my own original material.
Out of all of the tracks you have made, which tracks would you recommend as an introduction to someone that is not yet familiar with your music?
Good question, I have a couple different sides to me. Producing music that is more listening pleasure based and also “tracks” that are more dance floor focused for DJ sets… so for a music fan and listener I would suggest my last album “Outside the skyline” as there are many different influences and styles on there, hints of soul, funk, disco, reggae and dance all combined into a cohesive album format…
You travel a lot. What are the essential things you need to have with you at all times and what are the things you miss when you are on tour?
My laptop of course!... I'm pretty easy going so I don’t need much while im on the road. Its nice to leave your routine behind and adventure a bit outside of your comfort zone.
What was the best and the worst gig you ever played and what was the funniest thing ever occurred during any of your performances?
Its really hard to just choose one of each as there have been sooo many experiences through the years… some of the best have been spread out all over the globe… like some of the festivals I have played, and some of the outdoor sunrise gigs on the beach for instance… some amazing gigs in Spain, Australia, Europe, the States, ETC… There aren’t too many “worst” gigs fortunately, as im pretty picky about what gigs I choose to take and usually they are pretty good… a couple weird ones might be in Turkey years ago we played an outdoor event on the beach and were shut down at gun point by the army because of apparent permit issues for the event…
After playing two shows in Indonesia (Jakarta&Bali) you will be performing live here in Bangkok at Q Bar on 13th September. After that you’re off to Singapore (1World Music Festival) and Hong Kong. Have you visited Thailand before? Will your performance be your Bangkok debut? Will you have time to spend quality time in Thailand or will your visit be limited to performing?
This will be my 3rd time in Thailand.. I have played in Bangkok at Bed Supperclub years ago and it was a great vibe gig… I also played in Koh Samui years ago which was fun, as well as north of Phuket at a sunset party… but I am looking forward to going back and touring asia again as its been awhile, although I have performed before in all the countries I am returning to this time.
Are you adventurous if it comes to food? Do you try the local dishes of the countries you travel to, or do you usually eat what you know from home? Will you give spicy Thai food a chance?
I LOVE all different kinds of food and yes I always love to dive into local cuisines while touring, as that’s one of my favorite things about traveling… I'm definitely looking forward to that aspect of this tour.
What can Bangkok expect of your performance?
Some deep, soulful, and dubby house grooves…